A Togolese who is alleged to be operating an illegal health centre in Ave-Xevi, a community in the Akatsi North District, has been arrested by the Akatsi North Police.
The Togolese, who claims he is a veterinarian, is also alleged to be assisting young ladies, especially teenagers in the area to abort pregnancies.
He was arrested last Wednesday at his facility when the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Akatsi North, James Gunu, joined a police team to clamp down on illegal operators of health facilities in the area.
Although the police have refused to give further details, DAILY GUIDE investigations reveal that Kwakuvi has been operating the illegal abortion clinic for about five years.
It has also emerged that the Togolese national has been performing abortions and other health services on market days of Ave Xevi.
A tour of the facility shows evidence of used syringes, drugs, panties, some sharp objects, among others.
The facility also looked very filthy and unhygienic. There was also evidence of some people living there.
However, three other accomplices of Kwakuvi are on the run. Although Kwakuvi refused to comment on his arrest and accusations, some sources in the area have accused Kwakuvi of using the same syringes and other sharp apparatuses during the procedures.
High Teenage Pregnancy
The Akatsi North District Health Director, Dr Anthony Ashynyo, expressed disgust about the entire environment within which Kwakuvi operates, describing it as a “horrible place”. He said abortion was becoming lucrative in the area due to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the area.
He said during the first quarter of this year alone, there were 60 cases of teenage pregnancy recorded.
Dr Asinyo disclosed that the high rate of the menace was due to unemployment, early marriage and other cultural tendencies.
He also revealed that there has been an increase in hepatitis B and HIV, which he claimed might have resulted from the reckless activities going on at the clinic. He urged the public to report any such persons in the society to the police promptly.
By Fred Duodu